THE BRIDE TURNS 20

«As The Bride got international attention in the early 2000s, many people suggested that I would continue to create variations of artworks using tampons. They argued that if I applied the formula to other formats - the urinal and so on - I would continue to be very successful. In fact, many artists develop a style or stick to a process, repeating it over and over again. I, however, chose another way, one of constant change.
My work involves adapting to different situations, solving new problems and, over the years, I have ventured into all sorts of techniques, materials and themes. I continue to be driven not by the conceptual side of art but by the effect it can have on people, who leave an exhibition feeling something new, something different; questioning the world, embracing a new perspective.
For a long time, I continued to be labelled as “the tampons’ artist”. This year The Bride turns 20 and it is getting renewed attention at a major collective exhibition in Museu Calouste Gulbenkian, Lisbon. But I haven't made any more pieces with tampons. I continue to believe in change.»
Joana Vasconcelos
About the artwork:
A Noiva [The Bride]
2001-2005
600 x Ø 300 cm
OB tampons, stainless steel, cotton thread, steel cables
Work produced and restored with the support of Johnson & Johnson, Lda.
Museu de Arte Contemporânea de Elvas - António Cachola Collection